Having opened their Wearside League account this term by edging a seven-goal thriller against Silksworth on Saturday, Boldon will be hoping to kick on over the next two months – and take advantage of a kind ficture list.

Reay's side play six of their first eight games at home, with a local derby against neighbours Jarrow the match of the day in the league tomorrow.

Reay admitted: "We hope to take advantage of having so many of our early games at home.

"I'm looking for an improvement in the league this season.

"We've finished fifth and eighth in the last two seasons, so we need to be finishing in the top three or four this time if we can."

Reay has strengthened his squad ahead of this hoped assualt on the top of the table, though he will be fit by absences over the next couple of weeks.

"We have still got people to go away on holiday – there will be players in and out over the next few weeks.

"We've re-signed Martin Thompson, and hope to have Shaun Heads joining from Hebburn.

"Lee McFadden has joined us, but the real bonus is Michael Irvine, who has been with Roofing. He's looked really sharp."